Kenya’s leading female rally driver Pauline Sheghu has received a KSh 1 million sponsorship ahead of the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya, a key leg of the World Rally Championship.

The rally is scheduled for March 12–15 in Naivasha and remains the only African round of the WRC calendar, widely regarded as one of the toughest events in global motorsport.

Sheghu will compete alongside co-driver Linet Ayuko as they prepare to tackle the grueling gravel stages against some of the world’s top rally crews on home soil.

Building momentum on the global stage

The financial backing comes at a critical stage of preparations, enabling Sheghu’s team to strengthen technical readiness and overall race logistics ahead of the demanding four-day event.

A former journalist turned rally driver and green energy advocate, Sheghu has steadily built her profile in Kenyan motorsport, earning recognition for her consistency and composure in high-pressure conditions. In a sport traditionally dominated by men, she has emerged as one of the country’s standout female competitors.

Sheghu has recorded podium finishes in 2023, 2024 and 2025 in both the Safari Rally and the Kenya National Rally Championship a run that has cemented her reputation as a serious contender.

“This sponsorship is a game-changer. It gives me the confidence to focus fully on performance, knowing that my team and I have the backing to compete strongly,” Sheghu said.

Eyes on a strong 2026 campaign

The 2026 Safari Rally is expected to once again draw top international drivers alongside Kenya’s finest, with the rugged Rift Valley terrain providing a stern test of endurance, precision and strategy.

For Sheghu and Ayuko, the focus now shifts to translating preparation into performance as they aim to deliver another strong showing on one of rallying’s most iconic stages.